What is "Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract" and what is its utility?

Cotton is the plant fibre that encloses the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family. This fibre is composed of cellulose, which is subsequently transformed into thread to create fabric. The cotton plant is primarily cultivated in arid tropical and/or subtropical regions. It can reach up to 10 metres in height if its exposure to sunlight is optimal.

There are several species and varieties of cotton:

• TheGossypium arboreumand theGossypium herbaceum, the most common species with short fibres used in cosmetics;

• TheGossypium barbadense, a variety originally from Peru but introduced in Egypt and cultivated worldwide. It is valued for the length and quality of its fibres;

• TheGossypium hirsutumwhich traces its origins back to South America.

In cosmetics, cotton is used in three main forms: vegetable oil (Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil), thecellular extract or native plant cells (Gossypium Arboreum Leaf Cell Extract), and the plant extract (Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Extract) which is the subject of this article.

The extract of the seed of the cotton plant is obtained by soaking the seeds in water and glycerine followed by a microwave extraction, a filtration, an adjustment of the pH with a solution of potassium sorbate (potassium salt of sorbic acid) and finally a filtration.

Of a deep yellow colour, cotton seed extract is an ingredient rich in active compounds, primarily fatty acids and flavonoids. It also contains glycosides, steroids, saponins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins and phenolic compounds as well as tannins. This plant-based ingredient is water-soluble, or soluble in water.

Suitable for all skin types, the plant extract of cotton is primarily recognised for its softening, soothing, supple-making, and regenerative properties.